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From September 2018, the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien (VBW) will stage the international hit production BODYGUARD – THE MUSICAL, based on one of the biggest cinema blockbusters of all time, at the Ronacher. Today, the VBW’s Artistic Director of Musicals, Christian Struppeck, presented the new musical and the main cast of the Vienna production at a press conference.

The VBW is staging an ambitious German language version of the original production, which was chosen as “Best New Musical” in London, as well as being nominated for a prestigious Laurence Olivier Award. Spectacular choreography, songs from the Grammy-winning film soundtrack, and many other global chart-toppers – sung in English – guarantee the audience an outstanding live experience. The musical’s exciting and emotional storyline and songs like One Moment in Time, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, I Have Nothing, Queen of the Night, The Greatest Love Of All and Saving All My Love will give theatre-goers goose bumps. This unforgettable show is topped off with one of the most moving ballads of all time, I Will Always Love You.

Cinema blockbuster becomes an up-to-date live theatre show

The international hit film BODYGUARD, written by the multiple Oscar-nominee Lawrence Kasdan (whose screenplays include “Star Wars – the Empire Strikes Back” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark”) tells the dramatic love story of superstar Rachel Marron and her bodyguard Frank Farmer. The film delighted millions of viewers all over the world and won several awards.

A renowned creative team for a magnificent musical

Adapted as a musical by Oscar-winning writer Alexander Dinelaris (“Best Screenplay” for “Birdman”), the film forms the basis for a unique and stunning stage show, which has so far been performed in eleven countries (UK, Netherlands, Germany, USA, South Korea, Canada, Italy, Australia, China, Spain and France), drawing audiences of over four million. The creative artists behind the show are a team of big name professionals from the fields of musicals, straight drama and film, led by the British theatre and film director Thea Sharrock (whose work includes “After the Dance” at the National Theatre, “The Sunshine Boys” at the Savoy Theatre, London and the cinema film “Me Before You”). The choreography is by Karen Bruce, the set and costume design by Olivier and Tony award-winner Tim Hatley, the lighting design by Mark Henderson, and the video design by Duncan McLean.

An exceptional cast for Vienna

Soul diva Rachel Marron will be played by the singer, dancer and actress Patricia Meeden, known for her collaboration with Xavier Naidoo in “The Voice of Germany”. Her bodyguard Frank Farmer will be played by the popular actor, presenter and TV star Jo Weil – a hit with audiences in film and TV roles alike (such as “Verbotene Liebe/Forbidden Love”, “Tatort/Crime Scene”, “Alles was zählt/All That Counts”). Rachel’s sister Nicki Marron is Ana Milva Gomes, who has appeared on various TV shows (including “Dancing Stars”) as well as in musicals at the Raimund Theater and the Ronacher (MOZART!, MAMMA MIA!, SISTER ACT, and many others). Rachel’s manager Bill Devaney will be played by the actor Martin Muliar, in his second leading role in a VBW musical after MAMMA MIA! Andreas Kammerzelt (appearances include JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and LUTHER) is PR agent Sy Spector, the Security Chef Tony Scibelli will be played by Nicolas Tenerani (appearances include DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES), Maximilian Ortner is the Stalker. Peter Windhofer (appearances include “Anna und die Liebe” and “The Quest) plays Special Agent Ray Court. The music will be performed by the VBW Orchestra.

VBW Artistic Director of Musicals Christian Struppeck: “BODYGUARD – THE MUSICAL has enchanted millions all over the world. The musical version of the blockbuster film is a fascinating stage experience full of glamour, thrilling dance scenes and a touch of Hollywood. The world-famous songs are musically unique, the plot is packed with drama and romance. It makes me very proud that we have been able to bring this international hit production to our Vienna audience with such a first-rate cast drawn from musicals, straight drama, film and TV.”

Grammy-winning music

The musical’s huge success, like the film before it, derives to a large extent from its Grammy-winning soundtrack, full of world famous songs. The title song I Will Always Love You was one of the biggest hits in recent decades, and the single sold more than twelve million copies. The BODYGUARD album has sold over 45 million copies, making it the most successful soundtrack album of all time.

A gripping love story

The exciting storyline of BODYGUARD – THE MUSICAL is no less famous than its songs. Former secret agent Frank Farmer is hired as a bodyguard to protect Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker - much against her will. Neither the dazzling soul diva nor her watchful bodyguard are willing to compromise – until the completely unexpected happens and the two fall passionately in love...

BODYGUARD: From hit film to hit musical

When Lawrence Kasdan (screenwriter of “Bodyguard”) was pitched the idea of turning the film into a stage musical, he was initially surprised. But Alexander Dinelaris, the Oscar-winning author of screenplays and theatre plays (including “Birdman”), who had been asked to write a stage version based on Kasdan’s screenplay, was convinced that the film was packed with potential, especially for a stage musical. In the end, he and Kasdan and the British team brought together by director Thea Sharrock developed the musical version for the world premiere on London’s West End.

“To my mind, the music offers the stage the chance to delve deeper into the characters’ emotions”, says Dinelaris. And the story – a so-called “romantic thriller” – is a rarity in musicals. Contemporary slang in a contemporary setting, fast pace, thrills and tension –these were the elements he wanted to transfer to his musical adaptation of BODYGUARD. Lawrence Kasdan was delighted with the result: “The English creative team had fantastic ideas for turning the film’s story into something new. And when I saw the list of songs for the show, I knew that this was going to be something really special.”